An uplifting story within the maritime community grew roots last week in Provincetown, Mass. More than 100 boaters gathered for the sake of charity; with the goal of a cure. The First Annual Cruise for Life Boat-a-Thon focuses on issues that strike to the core in millions of families all over the world – the threat of, treatment for, and recovery from cancer.
More than $42,000 has been raised so far by the event – a celebration of life – which supports the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund (along with other area research and healthcare centers). Among attendees of the event were many cancer survivors. Uplifting stories of their successes – both physical and emotional – created strong bonds in a community that hopes to greatly extend a positive reach.
Mike Handler, Executive Director and Founder of Cruise for Life, said that “This was our first year and given the success of the event and the dedication and commitment of the sponsoring corporations and yachts clubs, I am sure we will see many more successful years in the future in our fight against cancer.” Power and sail boat crews will reunite in Provincetown next summer, for the second annual Celebration of Life event, on July 27, 2013.
Sponsorship of the event, including such organizations as Atlantis WeatherGear, Morgan Stanley and The Moorings, yielded some fantastic prizes for top fundraisers, the grand prize being a seven-day charter cruise aboard a 41ft sailboat traveling the British Virgin Islands. Blue Water Sailing Club, Jubilee Yacht Club, American Yacht Club, and Pelagic Saliing Club of Boston all encouraged their members to be a part of the fundraising effort, and it should be noted that the top fundraiser eligible for the grand prize does not necessarily have to be one of the attendees of the event.
For contact information about the event or how to donate, please see the official Cruise for Life webpage. To sign up for their newsletter, please visit this link.